Can You Use PHA With Retinol?
Separate or space out
With care.
PHAs have a larger molecular size and stay closer to the surface, so they are the gentlest acid to pair with a retinoid. It is still two turnover-accelerating steps.
How to use PHA and Retinol
Tolerable for most skin if the PHA goes on first and you buffer with a moisturizer. Skip the PHA on nights your skin already feels tight.
General guidance from common dermatological advice, not medical advice. If you use a prescription treatment, follow your prescriber’s instructions.
Layering
Related pairings
- Retinol with AHADo not combine
- Retinol with BHADo not combine
- Retinol with Benzoyl PeroxideDo not combine
- Retinol with Vitamin CSeparate or space out
- Azelaic Acid with RetinolSeparate or space out
- Niacinamide with RetinolWorks well together
- Centella Asiatica with RetinolWorks well together
- Hyaluronic Acid with RetinolWorks well together
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The Routine Check reads the actives in each product you add, flags every clash between your morning and evening steps, and puts them in the order to apply them.
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